Former State Education Minister Dr Elizabeth Constable is one of several people whose contributions to society will be recognised at The University of Western Australia during its autumn graduations for 3600 students.

Dr Constable served almost 22 years in State Parliament, including as Education Minister from 2008 to 2012. She is WA's longest-serving female State MP and will retire from politics after this weekend's State Election. Dr Constable will be awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on March 21.

An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters will also be awarded to Barry Strickland, independent consultant to the arts, culture, heritage and tourism sectors, and former ABC Radio National broadcaster. Mr Strickland served six years as a Perth International Arts Festival board member. He is a current Artrage Inc board member and has previously served on boards for Deckchair Theatre and the WA Chamber for Arts and Culture.

Four Chancellor's Medals will be awarded. Emeritus Professor Bill Ford's medal recognises his outstanding service and significant contribution to staff and students over many decades in UWA's Law School. Professor Ford served as Dean of Law from 2001 to 2010, including a term as chair of the Council of Australian Law Deans.

Jennifer Wildy's medal recognises her outstanding service and significant contribution over many decades to staff, students and users of UWA's Wigmore Music Library. Ms Wildy retired as University Music Librarian at the end of 2011 after nearly 40 years' service.

Jillian Belbin's medal will honour her outstanding service and contribution to the University and the community over many years as Honorary Curator of the Eileen Joyce Studio in UWA's School of Music.

Dr Anne Brearley, an Honorary Research Fellow in UWA's School of Plant Biology, Oceans Institute and the Centre for Marine Futures, will receive a medal for her outstanding service and contribution over many years to undergraduate teaching and research supervision.

The first of 11 graduation ceremonies was held in Winthrop Hall last night and will run until Monday 25 March.